US forces rescued two Iranian mariners: US military

U.S. Naval forces rescued two Iranian civilian mariners in international waters last week, U.S. Central Command announced Thursday.

Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group rescued the two mariners at around 7 a.m. local time on Aug. 23. A search and rescue helicopter from the USS Theodore Roosevelt and a rigid inflatable boat from the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Daniel Inouye were involved in the mission.

"Our Navy Sailors and aircrew responded swiftly and professionally, showcasing their world-class training," said Rear Adm. Christopher Alexander, commander of Carrier Strike Group 9. “Aiding distressed mariners is a mission that our strike group will always stand ready to support. It is the right thing to do, and further demonstrates that the U.S. Navy is a force ready when called upon."

CENTCOM's release did not indicate what caused the mariners' distress or where exactly they were saved.

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An MH-60S helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 8 transported the mariners to the USS Theodore Roosevelt for medical care. They were also given food and water.

The carrier strike group is specifically in the Middle East region to deter Iran and its proxy forces' attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq, Syria, and Israel. The Pentagon increased its presence in the region in response to Tehran's vow to avenge the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh on July 31 in Iran.